THIRUVANANTHAPURAM : Football fans in India are set for a historic moment as Argentina’s World Cup–winning national team, led by coach Lionel Scaloni and captained by Lionel Messi, will play an international friendly in Kerala this November.
The fixture, scheduled during the FIFA window from November 10 to 18, will likely take place at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram. It will be Argentina’s first-ever appearance in Kerala, offering supporters a rare chance to watch the reigning world champions in action.
Kerala’s Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman confirmed the development, noting that official communication has been received from the Argentine Football Association (AFA). He added that preparations for security, logistics, and crowd management are already underway to ensure the event’s success.
The match also carries a symbolic gesture of gratitude. Following Argentina’s World Cup triumph in Qatar in 2022, the AFA had publicly acknowledged the overwhelming support from Kerala’s football fans. The Kerala government later extended a formal invitation, which has now culminated in this visit.
Financial arrangements for hosting the game were secured through a sponsorship agreement between the AFA and Reporter Broadcasting Company Private Limited, signed in December 2024. This partnership has paved the way for the high-profile fixture to be staged despite earlier concerns about costs.
While the opponent and exact match date are yet to be officially announced, anticipation is already at fever pitch. For Kerala, a state renowned for its deep football culture, the arrival of Lionel Messi and his teammates promises to be an unforgettable sporting milestone.